So you have decided that you want to move to a new home. Moving is often a difficult process so to help make your relocation as stress-free and straightforward as possible, we at Long Distance Movers have put together this article which should provide you with all the information that you are going to need when moving to your new home.
Getting started
Getting ready for the moving process is a lot of work in and of itself, it is a good idea to start preparing well in advance of the move so that you have the time to complete all of your tasks without causing too much stress or rushing to do so.
Eight weeks before you move
This is the time when you should look into getting organized and drawing up a plan that will help you keep on track throughout the move. These tasks include:
- Make a moving binder: Make and use the moving binder to stay on top of the whole move, the binder should include your moving budget, your receipts, as well as an inventory of all the things that you are taking with you.
- Sorting and decluttering: Go through your home and decide which possessions you would like to take with you and what belongings you no longer need. Think about whether any of these items will need special packing or insurance.
- Research: Begin looking for a reliable moving company. Do not settle for a moving estimate given over the phone, make sure that you get a company that will send a representative to visit your home and give you an estimate after performing an inspection. Get a moving estimate from each moving company in writing, and make sure that it has a US Department of Transportation number on it if you are planning on a long distance move to another state. If you are planning on moving within the state, check whether you require a US Department of Transportation number, and also check with the moving association, state’s public utilities commission or the Better Business Bureau.
Six weeks before you move
This is usually the time when you should focus on getting all of the materials you will need to pack all of your things and getting ready to move everything to the moving truck. The tasks for this time period are:
- Measure: If you can measure the dimensions of all the rooms in your new house and make sure that all of your larger pieces of furniture will be able to fit through the doors, staircases, and hallways.
- Declutter: Begin using up things that you do not want to move with you, like all of your frozen or perishable foods and your cleaning supplies.
- Buy moving supplies: Look into buying all moving supplies well before you move.
Four weeks before you move
This is the time period where you should begin packing your things and taking care to transfer all of your personal information. The tasks that you should be looking to complete are:
- Hire a moving company: Look for a moving company and make sure that you get written confirmation of the moving costs, and other details of several moving companies.
- Start packing: At this time, you should begin packing the items that you use the least. While you are packing your things, keep an eye out for valuable items that may need additional insurance from the moving company you hire.
- Label: Clearly label each moving box with its contents and which room it’s contents should be put in. Pack and label an essentials box for each member of your family and fill it with items that you will need for a few days after the move while you unpack.
- Pack valuables: Jewelry and important files should be packed in a box that you are going to take with you personally to your new house. Make sure that you keep the moving estimate in the valuables box.
- Forward your medical records: Ask your doctor for referrals and ask them to forward your medical records to your new doctors.
- Change your address: Go to the local post office and fill out a change-of-address form. Unfortunately, mail that has already been sent before you change your place of residence will arrive at your old home. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your mailbox and check in with them three to four weeks after the move.
- Tell people: You should let your bank, employer’s human resources department, insurance company, credit card company, utility companies, as well as any newspapers or magazines that you subscribe to, know about your change of address.
Two weeks before you move
This is the period when you should be taking care of time-sensitive tasks such as taking your car for a checkup or pack your important documents. These tasks are:
- Arrange time off from work: Let your employer know that you plan to manage your relocation in advance and ask him for a day off.
- Pack the contents of your safe: If you plan to switch to a new bank, empty your safe-deposit box and pack the contents with your other valuables and, once again, make sure that you take that box with you when you are moving.
- Vehicle maintenance: Make sure that you take your vehicle to a garage for a full checkup, and if you are moving to a different climate, ask him what you have to do to maintain your car.
One week before you move
This is when you should begin packing your medication and finish the packing process, the task being:
- Pack essentials box: By now, you should be finishing with the general packing. Now it is time to pack all the items that you will need to survive for a few days while you are unpacking all of your things in your new home. Pack an essentials box for each member of your family and make sure that they contain all of the clothes, medication, and other items that they will need during this time.
- Refill prescriptions: Go to your doctor and get refills for all of the medication that you will need until you can get in touch with your new healthcare provider.
A couple of days before you move
Now is the time to get rid of your perishables, and complete the final details of the moving process. The tasks for this period are:
- Clear out the freezer: If you plan to take your refrigerator with you, make sure that you to empty it, clean it, and defrost it the day before the move.
- Double check your reservation: Call your moving company and confirm their arrival time and make sure that you have given them exact directions on how to get to your house. Check that they have your contact information and give it to them if you haven’t already.
- Payment: If you haven’t already worked out how you are going to pay the moving company for their services, now is the time to do it. If the movers have done their job well, or if the moving process was especially difficult, make sure that you thank your movers by giving them a generous tip.
On moving day
Moving day is finally here, and today you will be focused on making sure that the moving company gets there and that they pack all of the things you plan to take with you. The tasks are:
- Confirmation: Check that the US Department Of Transportation number painted on the side of the truck matches the number on the moving estimate that the movers gave you.
- Take inventory: Before you and the movers leave your home, check that everything that you want to take with you has been packed and, this is essential, sign the bill of lading and make sure to get a copy.
After moving day
Now that everything has been moved and you have gone to your new home, there is nothing to do but unpack. These tasks are:
- Unpack essentials box: make sure that you and your family unpack the essentials box and have enough clothes and other essential items for the next few days.
- Begin unpacking: it is time to put everything in its place, by preference you can begin by unpacking your new kitchen or bedroom first and second, then move onto the rest of the house.
Now that you have read our moving guide, we hope that you will find it easier to organize your moving process so that it is finished quickly, efficiently and with the minimum amount of stress.